Amber Travel Guide
Stunning Rajput Palace Overlooking Lake
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Lying 9km north of Jaipur the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber clings to the side of a hill and is one of the state’s most visited attractions. Set in picturesque and rugged hills it’s fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture seems to encapsulate just what Rajasthan is all about – dramatic buildings, a vibrant history and endless local colour.
Construction was started by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I. The fort - more a palace than traditional fort - is made in red sandstone and white marble. Its rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner beauty that is hard to put into words and which really needs to be visited to be fully appreciated. Visitors approach up a steep ramp, perhaps on elephant back to enter through Suraj Pol, or Sun Gate. Maota Lake - the tank of water that fed the palace – reflects the palace far below.
Attractions in Amber
Before you enter the palace, just towards the right is a steep aisle and a narrow staircase reaching up to the Kali Temple also called Shila Devi Temple famous for its mysterious history and the huge silver lions. It is a gorgeous temple featuring silver doors with raised relief.
Once inside the beauty of the palace truly starts to unfold. The interior walls of Jelebi Chowk, a vast courtyard from where stairways lead off to different parts of the palace, are decorated with expressive painted scenes, with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings in the rooms off. Jaleb Chowk was also the area where returning armies were welcome and they would display their war earnings to the population at large.
The main stairway from Jalebi Chowk leads to the second courtyard of the fort. Here is the imposing Diwan-I-Am, the Hall of Public Audiences, where the Maharaja received the populace and their petitions. This is a pavilion of double rows of columns each capped by an elephant carving.
Behind the exquisite and fabulous Ganesh Pol ("pol" meaning gate) are the residential apartments of the Maharaja whilst the Jai Mandir, the Hall of Victory, is famous for its inlaid panel and dazzling mirror ceiling.
On the other side is Sukh Niwas, the ‘residence of pleasure’ which has an ivory inlaid sandalwood door. A channel for water is an inventive system for cooling and was allowed to flow in the garden. From here you can also view the fort ramparts and its reflection in Maota Lake.
The Sheesh Mahal is a stunning example of Rajput mirror work and should not be missed.
The Zenana or the palace of the women are in the forth courtyard. The rooms are connected through a common corridor are cleverly designed to give each room privacy.
If anywhere epitomises the perfect blend of art and architecture it is here at Amber, a classic romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura.
Activities in Amber
Allow a long half-day to explore Amber and its palace. A guide is essential to appreciate the history of the various buildings.
Relaxing
There is a café inside the palace which provides a great place to take a break. Grab some chat (the local name for finger snacks) from the much-photographed vendor near the palace entrance.
Getting Around
Visit Amber as part of a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, perhaps with a driver-guide who will be able to explain the points of interest within the complex.
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